Vitesse has had an ‘enlightening’ conversation with the KNVB licensing committee. The ailing club from Arnhem has to work hard to retain its license for professional football. This was evident from a long meeting today in Zeist.
Vitesse is in the middle of a major rescue operation with the licensing commission, after the takeover of American businessman Coley Parry and the Common Group was rejected. The club from Arnhem is on the verge of collapse due to the mismanagement of the past two years.
The Gelderland capital currently has a debt of 18.9 million euros and that deficit threatens to increase further. In addition, Vitesse does not meet all kinds of conditions of the licensing regulations.
WHOA procedure
Vitesse has recruited Paul van der Kraan (adviser) and Edwin Reijntjes (managing director) to rescue Vitesse. The experienced crisis managers face a monster job. The duo resorts to, among other things, a WHOA procedure to get rid of debts.
“We had an illuminating conversation,” says Reijntjes. “And we will be in touch again next week. But the meaning of the licensing committee is clear. A lot has to be done in a very short time.”
Mixed feelings
Vitesse must submit a budget before June 15, with explanations, which the licensing committee will approve. The plans so far are paper-thin. There are large financial holes in the household. It is clear that major cutbacks are expected in Arnhem in the coming months. This hits the workplace hard. About half of the staff has to leave. The budget for the selection will be reduced by millions at the same time.
Reijntjes says he gives mixed feelings about the WHOA procedure. “This step is absolutely necessary for Vitesse,” he explains. “Everyone at the club sees that. But loyal partners and suppliers are also affected. That is not good and should never have happened. It is up to us to restore all relationships, where necessary.”
Army lawyers Parry
The court has appointed Hanneke De Coninck as restructuring expert for the WHOA procedure. She was nominated by Coley Parry, who has since appointed an army of lawyers to represent his interests. Vitesse has a debt of 14.3 million to the businessman.
The American is in a dispute with Vitesse. Reijntjes states that De Coninck represents the interests of all parties involved.
18,000 spectators against Fortuna
There is nothing at stake anymore for Vitesse, now that the club has been relegated with a penalty of eighteen points. But no fewer than 18,000 spectators are expected against Fortuna Sittard on Sunday. Nearly 500 tickets have already been sold for the away match at FC Utrecht. Vitesse sees that as great support.
“I receive a lot of personal messages from supporters who want to help the club in some way,” Reijntjes reports. “That is also desperately needed. We hope to be able to respond to this soon. For now I am extremely proud of the support and the many support for the coming competitions. Our supporters show once again that Vitesse is alive.”
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Tags: Licensing committee tightens thumbscrews Vitesse lot short time Speed
